The Witches Ballad

Oh, I have been beyond the town, Where nightshade black and mandrake grow, and I             have been and I have seen What righteous folk would fear to know!              For I have heard, at still midnight, Upon the hilltop far, forlorn, With note that             echoed through the dark, The winding of the heathe horn.              And I have seen the fire aglow, And glinting from the magic sword, And with the             inner eye beheld The Horned One, the Sabbat's lord.              We drank the wine, and broke the bread, And ate it in the Old One's name. We linked             our hands to make the ring, And laughed and leaped the Sabbat game.              Oh, little do the townsfolk reck, When dull they lie within their bed! Beyond the             streets, beneath the stars, A merry round the witches tread!              And round and round the circle spun, Until the gates swung wide ajar, That bar the             boundaries of the earth, From faery realms that shine afar.              Oh, I have been and I have seen In magic worlds of Otherwhere. For all this world             may praise or blame, For ban or blessing nought I care.              For I have been beyond the town, Where meadowsweet and roses grow, And there such             music did I hear As worldly-righteous never know.              Enjoy!!!!!!!              Blessed Be 

Author Unknown

Rocky Vacation

Sorry I have not been posting lately, I have gone on a mini Vacation. My Step-Mother had surgery and I have been taking care of here all week. Not that it bothers me, but my friend called and asked if I wanted to go camping with her.

I have not seen her sense high-school so my parents told me to take the weekend off. So I did, and it was ok I guess.

But when I got back me and my boyfriend got into a bit of an argument and ended up splitting.

Worst 3 day's Ever! He called constantly and text constantly, I can honestly say that no one has ever tried to keep me around like he has. SO we talked it through and we are back together.

We split for real stupid reason's, and I am so glad and happy to still be with him.

A Rite of Dedication to Holy Brighid

By Rowan Fairgrove

Create Sacred Space

There should be two altars. One with 3 candles - blue, green & yellow - set in a triangle. Symbols/Images of the Gods, Ancestors and Land should also be present. The second altar is a Brighid altar, bearing a red candle, sacred water and symbols/images of Brighid.

The sky above me (draw spiral three times above)
The sea surrounds me (define a circle)
The earth beneath me (touch and ground in the earth)
Thus the Realms make sacred our circle.

Light three candles for the realms and say:

The fire of inspiration infuses the realms and links all beings to the inner fire of divinity.

Meditate on the divine flame within and without. The sacred spark that illuminates the realms. When you can hold the knowledge of the flame within you say:

Statement of Intent:

I honor the realms
I honor my ancestors
I honor the spirits of this place
I am here to dedicate the fire within me
To the service of Holy Brighid
To the betterment of myself and the world.

Call Witnesses

Hear me, O Mannanon,
Horseman of the crested waves
Lord of the Cup of Truth
I invoke thee for thy gifts
Come from the western isles
and witness my dedication

Hear me, O Boann,
Opener of the Bright Well
Lady of the Nine Hazels
I invoke thee for thy gifts
Come from the source of life below
and witness my dedication

Hear me, O Ancestors
Parents of all that live
Ancestors of my body and path
I invoke thee for thy gifts
Come from your lovely realm
and witness my dedication

Hear me, O Spirits of the Land
Foundation of growth and life
Spirits of rock and tree and earth
I invoke thee for thy gifts
Come from your lovely realm
and witness my dedication

Call Brighid

The genealogy of the holy maiden Brighid,
Radiant arrow of flame, noble foster-mother of gods,
Brighid the daughter of the Dagda,
Dagda the Good God, the son of Danu,
Danu the Mother of all Things.

Brighid of the mantles,
Brighid of the peat-heap,
Brighid of the twining hair,
Brighid of the augury.
Brighid of the white feet,
Brighid of calmness,
Brighid of the white palms,
Brighid of the kine.
Brighid, woman-comrade,
Brighid, woman-helper,
Brighid, woman-mild.

Each day and each night
That I say the Descent of Brighid...
I shall not be slain, I shall not be injured,
I shall not be put in cell, I shall not be hewn,
I shall not be riven, I shall not be anguished,
I shall not be ravaged, I shall not be made blind,
I shall not be made naked, I shall not be left bare,
I shall not be enchanted, I shall not be cursed,
Neither shall my power leave me.

No fire, no sun, no moon shall burn me,
No water, no flood, no brine shall drown me,
No earth, no sod, no turf shall cover me,
No air, no wind, no vapour shall sicken me,
Nor seed of the Fairy Host shall lift me,
Nor seed of the Airy Host shall lift me,
Nor earthly being destroy me.
I under the protection of the holy maiden,
I am under the shielding of good Brighid each day;
I am under the shielding of good Brighid each night.
Each early and late, every dark, every light.
Brighid is my comrade, Brighid is my maker of song,
My gentle foster-mother, my beloved Brighid.

Dedication

Take up the water of Brighid's well and anoint hands/heart/head.

I dedicate my hands to your work in the world
I dedicate my heart to your healing ways
I dedicate my head to your sacred imbas
My art shall be in thine honor (Put art on her altar in token of the gifts you offer)
My gifts shall be in thine honor
My life shall be lived in thine honor
I am thy Sister and Priestess

Cakes & Ale

Bless the food and share it with each of the witnesses and Brighid.

I bless this bread. I bless this ale.
I bless the Land that nurtured it and the Sun that gave it power.
I bless all hands, seen and unseen, that have brought it to this place.
May it nurture all here, seen and unseen.

Close

Spirits of the Land, Foundation of growth and life
Thank you for witnessing my dedication
May there be peace between us now and always.

Ancestors, Parents of all that lives
Thank you for witnessing my dedication
May there be peace between us now and always.

Boann, Lady of the Nine Hazels
Thank you for witnessing my dedication
May there be peace between us now and always.

Mannanon, Lord of the Cup of Truth
Thank you for witnessing my dedication
May there be peace between us now and always.

Holy maiden Brighid, Radiant arrow of flame
Thank you for witnessing my dedication
May there be peace between us now and always.

Snuff three candles for the realms and say:

The sky above me (draw spiral three times above)
The sea surrounds me (define a circle)
The earth beneath me (touch and ground in the earth)
Thus the Realms make sacred our lives.

The fire of inspiration infuses the realms and links all beings to the inner fire of divinity. I hold this flame in my heart as I from this place depart.

I feel her calling me

If you saw the blog I posted before this, you would have noticed that it is all about the Irish Goddess Brigid. For a good few weeks now I feel as if she is calling out to me, trying to get my attention. I started practicing the craft about 6 years ago, and have always prayed to Hecate and felt comfortable with her; but now I feel as if Brigid is my calling.

I suppose it makes sense in my head, me being of Irish descent and leaning more to the Celtic forms of Witchcraft.

So, from now and up until the next Sabbat which will be Mabon for me; I am going to be working with Brigid and a good feel for her. I am really excited and I know its going to be a magical experience.

Brighid, Goddess of Ireland

Brigid is one of the most enduring and beloved of the ancient Celtic goddesses. She was a matron goddess to healers and midwives, bards and poets: to the smithies who worked in gold and iron she was the very forge and flame of inspiration itself. As a goddess of compassion, hearth and home she was also considered a great protector of women, children and animals.

Patricia Monaghan wrote the following of Brigid in her book “The Goddess Path”:

Brigid’s primary symbol is fire, for her very name means “bright arrow” or simply “the bright one”. Almost into modern times, the ancient worship of the fire goddess Brigid was practiced at her sacred shrine in Kildare, where nineteen virgins tended the undying fire and where, on the twentieth day of each cycle, the fire was miraculously tended by Brigid herself. There, into the eighteenth century, the ancient song was sung to her: “Brigid, excellent woman, sudden flame, may the bright fiery sun take us to the lasting kingdom.”

But for more than ten centuries the Brigid invoked was a saint, rather than a goddess, and her attendants were nuns rather than priestesses. After the Christianization of Ireland in the fifth century, the shrine at Kildare became a convent where the ancient rites nevertheless continued undisturbed. Six hundred years later the ever-burning fire was doused by Henry de Londres, archbishop of Dublin, who saw the clearly pagan meaning of the flame.

For many centurie s the fire remained doused, but in 1993 the sisters of Saint Bridget, called the Brigantines, re-lit the sacred fire of Kildare and now keep it continually blazing as a symbol of healing and peace.
Water, too, is a symbol of the goddess. At Kildare, more than thirty sacred wells once gushed forth; the largest well is still in use as a healing shrine.

http://www.goddesshearth.org/brigid.html

None of the information here belongs to me, I got all the information from the link above. I only used this page for information reason.

Litha Blessing Broom

Because Litha is only two day's away, I figured id decorate my besom.

Litha is the time of the Summer Solstice (Midsummer) and it a season of great solar energy.

It is the time when the Sun God is at his fullest, and the Goddess; being pregnant from Beltane with life. It is a great time of renewal. Out with the old and in with the new.

So one fun way to celebrate Litha is to create a Blessing broom, to sweep out negative energies in the home.

So I have taken my besom and added some flowers and herbs and such.

Litha is also a time of great magic, and evil spirits are said to roam the earth. So witches would take small bell's and tie them the the besom, so that when they swept the house the noise would scare the evil spirits away. So iv got me a few bell's tied to mine and also some ribbons.

When your done with your besom, you can hang it up in your house for protection :)

As you sweep your house, do this little chant...

Sweeping, sweeping, 'round the room,

Blessings from this cleansing broom.

From floor to ceiling, and all between,

May this space be fresh and clean.

Sweeping good energy here to me,

As I will, so it shall be.

If you want to consecrate your broom, which I do to all of my ritual tools you can. Here is the ritual I do to all my tools, you can use it too.

What You Need

Incense

Salt

A candle, preferably white

A cup of water

The tool to be consecrated

You'll need a white candle, a cup of water, a small bowl of salt, and incense. Each corresponds to one of the cardinal elements and directions:

North/Earth: salt

East/Air: incense

South/Fire: candle

West/Water: water

If your tradition requires you to cast a circle, do so now. Light the candle and the incense. Take the tool or other item you wish to consecrate in your hands, and face north. Pass it over the salt and say:

Powers of the North,

Guardians of the Earth,

I consecrate this wand of willow (or knife of steel, amulet of crystal, etc)

and charge it with your energies.

I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.

Now, turn to the east and, holding the tool in the smoke of the incense, say:

Powers of the East,

Guardians of the Air,

I consecrate this wand of willow

and charge it with your energies.

I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.

Next, face the south and pass the tool over the flame of the candle -- be careful if it's a flammable material like Tarot cards or a robe! -- and repeat the process, saying:

Powers of the South,

Guardians of Fire,

I consecrate this wand of willow

and charge it with your energies.

I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.

Finally, turn to the west, and pass your ritual tool over the cup of water. Say:

Powers of the West,

Guardians of Water,

I consecrate this wand of willow [or knife of steel, amulet of crystal, etc]

and charge it with your energies.

I purify it this night, and make this tool sacred.

Face your altar, hold the wand (athame/chalice/amulet/whatever) to the sky, and say:

I charge this wand in the name of Old Ones,

the Ancients, the Sun and the Moon and the Stars.

By the powers of the Earth, of Air, of Fire and of Water

I banish the energies of any previous owners,

and make it new and fresh.

I consecrate this wand,

and it is mine.

Now you've not only consecrated the tool, you've claimed ownership. In many Wiccan traditions, it's considered a good idea to put the item to use immediately to bind the consecration and strengthen the energy of the tool.

Have fun with it :)

Blessed Be )O(

The Cone of Power

A Cone of Power is an energy form raised within a ritual or magick circle. Typically the energy collects into an etheric shape resembling a rounded pyramid, a somewhat cone-like image. It is often used to transmit energy that is designed to aid in healing or to manifest a desire.

There are many methods of raising a Cone of Power. Some Wiccans/Witches employ ecstatic dance, chanting, drumming, guided imagery, meditation, trance, or techniques that alter consciousness.

Once a Cone of Power is raised it is then released so that its magick can be transmitted. Depending on the type of magick used, the cone can be sent to a person, place, or thing, through guided imagery, or the Cone can be implanted directly within the astral plane for manifestation.

The Cone of Power is one of the methods of working magic, and refers to a technique for focusing energy within a magical circle. The circle acts as both lens and container for the energy of an individual or group, creating a "cone" shape before being released for particular purpose. But why a cone? The cone is the shape of energy perceived by those sensitive to the energy currents. Churches also make use of this shape to direct energy heavenwards, with steeples situated over the altar, the nexus of energy raised by the congregation, concentrated by the priest and released. The Witches' hat is a reminder of the shape of this energy.

The basic energy is that of the human body, increased and channeled in accordance with Will, although with experience, and practice, it is possible to draw on the energies of the earth and moon. Dancing and chanting is a popular way of raising the energy within the circle, and it’s fun too. however, if dancing is not possible, there is a more mental and psychic way of raising energy.

The method an individual may use is to sit or stand with eyes closed and visualise the sphere around you as a shining silver light. Now visualize the silver energy within the sphere begin to spin and swirl, as you do this, add your own energy to that of the circle by visualising a shining light of your aura flowing away from your body like the flames from a bonfire rising into the night, mingling with it, stretching it to a point. With this, put all your will and intent of the spell or ritual into the energy in the same way. Do this for a few minutes until you feel ready to continue.

Now, let the energy around you spin faster and faster within the sphere. as you're reading this you should be getting a picture in your mind as to what it should be like. It is exactly the same, only with a bit more focus. That is all there is to visualising: picturing it in your mind. If you can't do it at first, stay calm and let it come to you. as you practice, visualisation becomes easier. I also find that reading through rituals helps, even if you aren’t performing them because you are still going through it in your mind.

Now, by this time, the energy and your intent should be swirling fast around you. Now, slowly let this energy rise up but getting narrower as you do so the energy becomes concentrated. Let this continue until all the energy has formed a cone shape above you, swirling faster and faster. Feel the energy and force, become excited with it, there's no need to stay calm at this point. Now, when you feel that you can't hold it anymore, let the energy be released in a burst of silver light streaming out into the universe.

You can use a power word or just the nova like visualization, don't be surprised if you worked up a sweat or feel a liitle tired Your spell is now sent out to the universe to work your will and manifest in time.

For a Group the process is much the same, the group first decides on its intent, then joining hands determines the power word. The Silver Moon Crow Coven, using entoning at this point to begin building the power. Then each individual closes there eyes and settles into the visualization of the circle, the entoning begins a low solid note, and the circle begins to move in a blur of energy gradually increasing in speed.

Sense the energy moving about you slowly building as your companions fuel it. Now visualize the silver energy within the sphere begin to spin and swirl, as you do this, add your own energy to that of the circle by visualising a shining light of your aura flowing away from your body like the flames from a bonfire rising into the night, mingling with it, stretching it to a point. With this, put all your will and intent of the spell or ritual into the energy in the same way. Do this for a few minutes until you feel ready to continue.

The tone changes, vollume increases as the power builds, your arms, holding hands with the person next to you begin to lift. The single harmonic note begins to form from the syllables and as one the group cries out the word of power releasing the cone with a burst of energy into the cosmos.

What is a Witch without their Besom???

Every time I enter my bedroom, something always catches

my eye. When you enter my room, if you look to the right

you will see my big round table; my al

tar, on which I keep all

my magical tools and such for my craft, but if you look straight ahead on my wall you will find my Besom hanging there. My besom is probably one of my most treasured tools that I have in my room. Its a very magical object and I made it myself, so it is full of my own energies and those of the God and Goddess.

Brooms/Besoms have been s

ymbolic to the Witch for hundreds and even thousands of years. Today, when you hear the word Witch you probably think of the green faced Witch of the West, in her Tall Pointy hat flying around on her broom. Sadly this is what Hollywood has portrayed him/her as. But that is so not the case.

Brooms have a very rich deep history, and they are very interesting.

One of the earliest forms of the broom is known as the Besom Broom. They were made of twigs tied to a handle. The bristles can be made of various materials such as straw, herbs, or twigs. The shaft is round to represent the branch of a tree. This associates the broom with the Tree of Life which was an important symbol in ancient pagan Europe. Traditionally a Besom broom is made from hazel wood and the bristles are birch twigs.

These brooms were often found just inside a dwelling hanging with bristles up to ward off evil spirits, negative energies and to protect the home and all who dwell within it. It could also be found hanging over a door with the bristles facing in the direction of opening of the door.

They were relatively inefficient as a cleaning implement and needed constant repair or recreation. Today Besom Brooms are still crafted and sold at garden centers as an outdoor broom. You can also find decorated and scented versions (ie: cinnamon besom brooms) in craft stores for indoor decorations.

The brooms relation to sweeping away negative energies and use for protection makes it a wonderful tool for magikal practices and rituals. Consequently it wasn't a big leap for European pagans to use the broom as a tool.

The Witches Broom

The traditional Witch's Broom is made of an ash handle and bristles from birch twigs. The twigs are tied onto the handle with thin pieces of willow wood. There have been a few written accounts of early Witch's decorating their brooms with flowers of the season tied on with some type of decorative string or later using colored ribbon. A practice that is continued today by modern Witches.

Early Celtic pagans associated the broom with Faeries, possibly because of it's relation to the wood and a common belief in forest sprites. Some stories tell of a Witch entering a forest and asking the Faeries to lead her way to the perfect tree where she can collect a staff for a broom. The idea is to enlist the help of the magikal folk and ensure the enchantment of the broom once it has been fashioned.

The Witch's broom is one of the few tools that is seen as a balance of Divine forces. It is both part of masculine energies (the phallic handle) and female energies (the bristles). Because of this, the broom was and still is commonly used in handfasting rituals (marriage ceremonies). It is also used as a gate or door before a ritual space. A witch would draw a magikal circle, enter the circle and then place the broom over the doorway to keep out unwante

d energies or people as an example.

While being used for clearing an area for ritual work was the earliest use for a broom, it became an important tool for Witch's during The Burning Times of Europe. During this era Witches would use a broom to hide one of their most important tools, the wand. It is also a tradition that brooms have been used by some as receptacles to harbor a particular spirit temporarily. This could be done to remove an unwanted spirit from one area and then release it far away in another place. Or it could be used to utilize the energy of a spirit for a specific spell when the broom is used as a wand.

A few ancient brooms have been discovered to have hidden compartments in the handle. These small hidden places held combinations of herbs, oils, feathers and a variety of other things thought to be part of a ritualistic spell. The hidden concoctions added to the energy of the intent that the broom was to be used for.

The Flying Broom

This early association of broom to tree also associates it with the element of air and therefore has power over spirits. Thus it's common use as a tool for flying. In both historical and modern images a female witch can be found on a broom silhouetted by the full moon behind her.

Although most associate being a witch with women, it's a label that applies to both sexes. The first 'official' record that documents the claim of flying on a broom stick was recorded in 1453. The claim was made in a confession by a male witch named Guillaume Edelin.

There have been earlier documents recanting stories of Witches flying on a variety of sticks. Such as decorated walking sticks, limbs from a tree complete with it's leaves, or just a stick alone. These stories include details of magikal flying ointments being applied to these tools in order to give them flight.

In both ancient Witchcraft and Shamanistic practices the use of these ointments was most probably what gave the impression of Witch flight. Ointments and potions for flying were most likely a variety of hallucinagenics that assisted a Witch in visualizing a flight upon the broom. This is not uncommon for early spiritual journeys. Using peyote and other hallucinagenics is well documented and utilized by Native American cultures for spiritual travels.

These special 'trips' were controlled methods to quickly reach a state of altered awareness. From there a Witch could astral project with the image of flying on a broom to anywhere within their known Universe. The use by witches of flying ointments was first described, according to known sources, by Johannes Hartlieb in 1456. It was also described by the Spanish theologist Alfonso Tostado in Super Genesis Commentaria (Venetia, 1507), whose commentary tended to accredit the thesis of the reality of the Witches' Sabbath.

Today using these types of potions and ointments are not recommended or encouraged. Flying journeys instead are suggested through deep meditation and astral projection. These methods are not just safer, but they also provide the practitioner with more control and the ability to remember more of the journey itself.

The Witches Creed

Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny's pathway, That now we bring forth into the light.

Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air,
By hidden Quintessence we know them, and will keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring,
We share with the life Universal, rejoice in the Magical Ring

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat returns, and the Witches are seen,
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing, on May Eve and old Hallowe'en

When day time and night time are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
The four lesser Sabbats are summoned, again Witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Coven's array,
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry, for each golden year and a day.

The power was passed down the ages, each time between woman and man
Each century unto the other, ere times and the ages began.

When drawn is the magical circle, by sword or athame of power,
Its compass between the two worlds lies, in the land of shades that hour.

This world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the great work of Magic is wrought.

For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of Nature, the forms and the forces of the divine.

The dark and the light in succession, The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess, This did our ancestors teach.

By night he's the wild wind's rider, The Horn'd One, the Lord of the Shades.
By day he's the King of the Woodland, The dweller in green forest glades.

She is youthful or old as she pleases, She sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight, The crone who weaves spells in the dark.

The master and mistress of magic, They dwell in the deeps of the main,
Immortal and ever-renewing, With power to free or to bind.

So drink the good wine to the Old Gods, And dance and make love in their praise,
Till Elphames's fair land shall receive us, In peace at the end of our days.

And do what thou wilt shall be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment, By Magick of old be it done.

Eight words the Witches Creed fulfil:
If it Harms none, Do what Thou Will!

The Wiccan Rede

Bide the Wiccan Laws we must,
In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.

Live and let Live,
Fairly take and fairly give.

Cast the Circle thrice about,
To keep the evil spirits out.

To bind the spell every time,
Let the spell be spake in rhyme.

Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak little and listen much.

Deosil go by the waxing moon,
Chanting out the witches rune.

Widershins go by the waning moon,
Chanting out the baleful rune.

When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss the hand to her, times two.

When the moon rides at her peak,
Then your heart's desire seek.

Heed the North winds mighty gale,
Lock the door and drop the sail.

When the wind comes from the South,
Love will kiss thee on the mouth.

When the wind blows from the West,
Departed souls will have no rest.

When the wind blows from the East,
Expect the new and set the feast.

Nine woods in the Cauldron go,
Burn them fast and burn them slow.

Elder be the Lady's tree,
Burn it not, or cursed you'll be.

When the Wheel begins to turn,
Let the Beltaine fires burn.

When the Wheel has turned to Yule,
Light the log and the Horned One rules.

Heed ye Flower, Bush and Tree,
By the Lady, Blessed Be.

Where the rippling waters go,
Cast a stone and truth you will know.

When ye have a true need,
Hearken not to others greed.

With a fool no season spend,
Lest ye be counted as his friend.

Merry Meet and Merry Part,
Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.

Mind the Threefold Law you should,
Three times bad and three times good.

When Misfortune is enow,
Wear the blue star on thy brow.

True in Love ever be,
Lest thy lover's false to thee.

Eight Word the Wiccan Rede fulfil:
An it harm none, do what ye will.

The Charge of The Goddess

Whenever ye have need of anything,

once in the month and better it be when the moon is full,

then shall ye assemble in some secret place,

and adore the spirit of me,

who am Queen of all witches.

There shall ye assemble,

ye who are fain to learn all sorcery,

yet have not won its deepest secrets;

to these will I teach all things that are as yet unknown.

And ye shall be free from slavery;

and as a sign that ye be truly free,

you shall be naked in your rites;

and ye shall dance, sing, feast, make music and love,

all in my praise.

For mine is the ecstasy of the spirit,

and mine also is joy on earth;

for my law is love unto all beings.

Keep pure your highest ideals;

strive ever towards them,

let nothing stop you or turn you aside.

For mine is the secret door which

opens upon the Land of Youth,

and mine is the cup of the wine of life,

and the Cauldron of Cerridwen,

which is the Holy Vessel of Immortality.

I am the gracious Goddess,

who gives the gift of joy unto the heart of man.

Upon earth,

I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal;

and beyond death,

I give peace, and freedom,

and reunion with those who have gone before.

Nor do I demand sacrifice;

for behold, I am the Mother of all living,

and my love is poured out upon the Earth.

I am the beauty of the green earth,

and the white moon among the stars,

and the mystery of the waters,

and the desire of the heart of man.

Call unto thy soul, arise, and come unto me.

For I am the soul of Nature,

who gives life to the Universe.

From me all things proceed,

and unto me all things must return;

and before my face, beloved of gods and of men,

let thine innermost divine self be enfolded,

in the rapture of the infinite.

Let my worship be within the heart that rejoicest,

for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.

Therefore, let there be beauty and strength,

power and compassion, honor and humility,

mirth and reverence within you.

And thou who thinketh to seek for me,

know thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not,

unless thou knoweth the mystery;

that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee,

thou wilt never find it without thee.

For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning;

and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.

My Man

Right now I have nothing to post about so im going to take a little time out to talk about my man :)

He is the most wonderful person iv had the opportunity to meet, and I know everyone say's that about their loved one; but I am so blessed to have him come into my life.

I have to say, I am the older one in this relationship and that's really new to me. And another thing that's new to me is how fast I fell for him. I have been in plenty of relationships to realize that it takes time before you can say "I love you" to someone and actually mean the words. And now aday's that phrase is not taken seriously enough. But I can honestly say that I love this man. He is the most mature person I have ever been with, he is so amazing.

Im love-stuck. Its fun when we talk on the phone together because he live's in Iowa and I live in Georgia, so when our accents collide it can be a challenge to understand each other. He say's when I move up north that he is going to teach me to talk, apparently my southern drawl is worse than I had thought. But he say's its cute so :)

I guess that's all for today, I just wanted to get on here and brag about my man!

Full Moon Scrying Water

The full moon has long been considered a symbol of wisdom and intuition. We feel its connection every month, when it lights the night sky. Many of us feel more energetic and alert during the full phase of the moon. This is partly because our bodies and mind are intricately connected to the lunar cycles. Like our selves, water is also linked to the changing face of the moon -- just ask anyone who lives on the coast about the phenomenon of "lunar tide"!

Using a reflective surface as a tool for scrying is hardly new -- the ancient Romans did it in their religious rituals, and the Egyptian "Book of the Dead" contains references to Hathor's magic mirror, used to see the future. Pre-Christian Celtic seers were believed to have visions when they looked upon dark stones such as beryl or other crystals, according to Pliny. Even in the 1500s, Nostradamus made notes about staring into a bowl of water by candlelight to gain inspiration.

This divination is one of the simplest. It's best to do it outside if at all possible, because, after all, you are relying on the moon to illuminate the water for you! If you can't perform this ritual on the night of the full moon, the night immediately before or immediately after is just as acceptable.

In addition to a clear sky and a full moon, you'll need the following items:

• A table or some sort of flat work space
• A dark bowl
• A pitcher containing enough water to fill the bowl
• A journal or notepad to write in, as well as a pen
• Optional: your favorite meditative music

If your tradition normally requires you to cast a circle, do so now. If you'd like to play some music, go ahead and start your cd player. Sit or stand comfortably at your workspace. Begin by closing your eyes, and attuning your mind to the energy around you. Feel the soft earth under your feet. Hear the rustling of the wind in the trees. Breathe in the scent of grass and earth that lingers in the air. Raise your arms out to your sides, palms facing up, and feel the energy of the moon above you.

Take some time to gather that energy. It's a pull, a palpable sensation that we can feel, if we just take the time to look for it. Feel that silvery power above you, and recognize your connection to it, and to the Divine.

When you are ready to begin scrying, open your eyes. Notice the night all around you. You may feel an unusual sense of clarity and alertness - don't be alarmed, it's just that lunar energy at work. Raise the pitcher in one hand, holding it over the bowl. As you do, visualize wisdom and guidance within the water. As you pour the water into the bowl, from the pitcher, see the energy of the moon charging that water. Recognize that this water can show you the mysteries of the moon.

When the bowl is full, position yourself so that you can see the moon's light reflected directly into the water. Stare into the water, looking for patterns, symbols or pictures. You may see images moving, or perhaps even words forming. You may have thoughts pop spontaneously into your head, that seem to have nothing at all to do with anything. Use your journal, and writeeverything down. Spend as much time as you like gazing into the water -- it may be just a few minutes, or even an hour. Stop when you begin to feel restless, or if you're getting distracted by mundane things.

When you are finished gazing into the water, make sure you have recorded everything you saw, thought and felt during your scrying session. Messages often come to us from other realms and yet we frequently don't recognize them. If a bit of information doesn't make sense, don't worry -- sit on it for a few days and let your unconscious mind process it. Chances are, it will make sense eventually. It's also possible that you could recieve a message that's meant for someone else -- if something doesn't seem to apply to you, think about your circle of friends, and who it might be meant for.

Afterwards, you can leave your water out overnight to charge it even more, or you can pour it away into your garden as an offering.

** Note: If you live near a natural body of water such as a pond or lake, you can perform water scrying with these larger "bowls" instead!

Full Moon Water

Because tonight is the full moon, I always try to make a batch of Moon Water.

Here are some of the things you will need...

Gather:

• 1 glass bowl or jar, or a chalice
• 1 small round mirror
• 1 moonstone or similar stone associated with lunar energies
• Piece of white cloth large enough to cover the opening of the container
• Spring water

On the night before the actual full moon, place the mirror in the bottom of the container and place the stone on top of the mirror. Fill the container with spring water, cover the opening with a white, permeable cloth such as cheesecloth and place it outside under the light of the moon. Bring the container inside in the morning and put it in a place where it will be shielded from sunlight.

Place it outside again on the night of the full moon. Remove it to a shielded place once again in the morning. On the third night, place it outside again and bring it inside at dawn, when the moon will be setting and moving into the waning gibbous phase.

To use full moon water, add it to rituals that require full moon energy but must be conducted during other phases of the moon. It may also be brewed into tea using lunar herbs or used to consecrate receptive ritual tools or to bless a space/individual or object with lunar energy.

Should it rain on the night of the full moon, set up the container, mirror and stone as above, but leave out the water and the covering cloth. Allow the rain water to accumulate in the container and remove it to inside in the morning.

While this seems simple, remember that action without intent is useless. Create a rite, chant or simple gestures around the preparations and actions. If you work with herbs, you may also like to add fresh lunar herbs to the water. Perform each step with the intent firmly in mind. When the container is placed outside, spend time in meditation under the moon, feeling the lunar energies washing over the planet and being absorbed by the water and all that falls under its light.

*This procedure may also be performed during the dark moon, substituting an onyx or other black/dark stone for the white moonstone. Water collected during this phase will carry the energies associated with the dark moon and may be used for rituals that require such energy but for some reason cannot be conducted during the actual phase.

Full Moon June 15th

There's a full moon this weekend, and it's the Strong Sun Moon -- no wonder, since Litha is here and the sun is warming the heavens and earth! Spend time outdoors while you can -- this is a time for bonding with friends and family, tending our gardens, and nurturing relationships.

Correspondences for this month include bright sunny colors like yellow and orange, as well as strong sturdy trees such as oak and maple. Honor the deities Isis, Cerridwen, and Persephone this month, and focus your magical workings on spiritual growth. Allow your soul to bloom as your garden does.

Also known as the Lover's Moon, this is a good time for handfastings and weddings!

Litha Incense

Midsummer is a great time for herb gardens, because there are buds and blooms everywhere. This is a powerful time to gather herbs, and also to prepare and use them. Any fresh herb can be dried simply by picking it and tying it up in small bundles in a well-ventilated area. Once they are completely dry store them in airtight jars in a dark place.

To make your own magical summer incense, first determine what form you’d like to make. You can make incense with sticks and in cones, but the easiest kind uses loose ingredients, which are then burned on top of a charcoal disc or tossed into a fire. This recipe is for loose incense, but you can always adapt it for stick or cone recipes.

As you mix and blend your incense, focus on the intent of your work. In this particular recipe, we’re creating an incense to use during a Litha rite -- and since Litha is all about the sun and its strength, we’re going to make this a fiery and powerful incense.

You’ll need:

• 3 parts myrrh
• 1 part apple blossoms
• ½ part bay leaves
• ½ part cinnamon bark
• 1 part chamomile flowers
• 1 part lavender flowers
• 2 parts mugwort
• ½ part rosemary

Add your ingredients to your mixing bowl one at a time. Measure carefully, and if the leaves or blossoms need to be crushed, use your mortar and pestle to do so. As you blend the herbs together, state your intent. You may find it helpful to charge your incense with an incantation, such as:

Balance of the heavens and earth below,
The power of the sun in this incense grows.
Cinnamon, mugwort, apple and bay,
Fire and water, on this longest day.
Herbs of power, blended by me,
As I will, so it shall be.

Store your incense in a tightly sealed jar. Make sure you label it with its intent and name, as well as the date you created it. Use within three months, so that it remains charged and fresh.

Some Yummy Litha Recipes :)

As apart of the blog I have created and my Craft In a Year, I have

been on myself about going on a diet as well, so while I have been trying to eat healthier I have came across some Litha Recipes that sound real good and healthy at the same time.

Now Tea is one of my all time fav's in summer drinks and I ran upon this one...

Shakespeare’s Tea for a Midsummer’s Night

2 cups mint (peppermint or spearmint or 1 cup each)
1/2 cup marjoram
1/3 cup whole savory leaves
1/4 cup lavender flowers
Mix thoroughly and store in tightly covered container. To use, steep one teaspoon per cup of briskly boiling water for 10 minutes or so to taste.

And...

Solar Tea

1 large jar with a very tight fitting lid
cold water
2 tea bags for each quart of water
1 orange, unpeeled, well washed, and cut into small pieces
1/2 lemon, unpeeled, well washed, and cut into small pieces
Fill the jar with water. Add the orange, the lemon, and the tea bags. Place in full sunlight for two hours. Refrigerate immediately. Serve over ice.

And everyone is a fan of Pizza so Im planning on trying this one out...

Potato Crust Vegetable Pizza

4 medium baking potatoes, peeled
1 medium onion
2 beaten eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
2 medium yellow summer squash, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow sweet pepper, chopped
1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 5.3-ounce package soft chevre (goat cheese)
16 cherry tomatoes, quartered
2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
Fresh basil sprigs (optional)

1. Finely shred potatoes and onion into a bowl of water; drain well,
squeezing out excess moisture. In a large bowl combine potato mixture, eggs,
flour, and salt; mix well. Press into a well-greased 15x10x1-inch baking
pan. Bake in a 425 degree F. oven for 15 minutes. Brush with 1 tablespoon of
the olive oil; bake 10 minutes more. Place under the broiler; broil 4 to 5
inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden and crisp.

2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the zucchini, yellow squash, yellow
pepper, red onion, and garlic. In a large skillet heat the remaining oil;
cook the vegetable mixture, 2 cups at a time, until vegetables are
crisp-tender, stirring often. Spread goat cheese over potato crust; top with
cooked vegetables and tomatoes. Sprinkle with basil and mozzarella. Bake in
a 425 degree F. oven for 5 to 7 minutes more or until cheese is melted. If
desired, garnish with basil sprigs. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Solitary Litha Ritual

Sense Litha is only a week away, Iv worked around and I believe I have found

the ritual that suites me just fine.

Things you will need if you ever want to try this one out yourself...

tall white or yellow candle and a short black candle, cauldron for burning, incense (Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood, Jasmine, rose, lotus, other flower), bowl of blessed, pure water, wand, paper, pen, one white candle for each pet and the pet or representation of him or her (photo, drawing etc.) A basket of marigolds, which happen to be one of my favorite flowers :)

The Ritual

As you place flowers on the ground to mark your circle (large enough to encompass your “standing stones”) say:

Spring ends and summer comes upon the land. As the days grow in warmth, I ask the Lord and Lady to awaken the sacred flame within my soul. With this fragrant circle, sacred is this space decreed.

Go to the edge of your circle and face each direction, respectively. After speaking, light a candle on the altar. Face the altar when evoking the Goddess and God.

I look to the North and call on the powers of Earth to join me in my circle. Your body sends forth the blooms of early summer with rich sensuous colors. Be with me as a bright red flower.

I look to the East and call on the powers of Air to join me in my circle. Caress me with your warm breezes that sweeten my life with soft scented flowers and plants. Be with me as the fragrant Linden.

I look to the South and call on the powers of Fire to join me in my circle. Your growing heat transforms the world into a lush garden. Kiss me gently with your warmth.

I look to the West and the powers of Water. Your gentle rains banish thirst and wash me clean. Touch me with dew-filled mornings.

Sun King, Lord of Summer, I welcome you at your zenith, your last full shining. Tomorrow you begin your descent, but today I celebrate you.

Lady of All, Queen of Summer, I welcome you in your full mother aspect as the fields begin to ripen and you awaken a spark of divine love deep in my soul.

BANISH THE BELTANE SEASON AND INVOKE THE LITHA SEASON with banishing and invoking pentagrams. Ring the bell and say SMIB

Stand facing your altar, and say:

This day I use marigolds to honor Lugh and ask for his blessing to further my spiritual journey.

Bow and then place a flower on the altar, saying:

Lugh, Beli Mawr, I thank you for your many blessings and reaffirm my spiritual path. Even though you will soon fade, your bright spirit will remain in my heart throughout the year. So mote it be.

Chant:I call to Lugh on Solstice Day,Shine bright before you go away.Sun King, Lugh, bring summer heat,

Blessed be and merry meet.

I celebrate the noon of Summer with this rite held in honor of the Blazing God of the Sun. All of nature vibrates with the fertile energies of the Goddess and the God. The Earth is bathed with the warmth, and light and life of the Sun. The Wheel of the Year turns again. Since Yule the light has been growing ever stronger. At Ostara the light finally became greater than the dark, and the light has kept on growing until today, the middle of the time of light, Litha, Midsummer. From here, the light begins to fade again, until once more, the Wheel will turn to darkness and Yule will return. Today the Sun is high, the Light is bright, the Earth is warm. As the Lord of the Sun blazes above, the Fires of my celebration shall flame below.

Place wand back on altar. Face altar. Light white and black candles.

Brother Sun and Mother Moon, day is longest now. Energies of the brilliant Sun aid all at work or having fun. Longest day, a blessing is, from rise to set supreme is the Sun. Fueling growth and passions bright, strong and true is the solar light. Bounty grows and river flows, as Earth is warmed and lighted. Creative energy reaches zenith on this day of shortest night. Crops grow high and excitement grows, with each new ray of Sun. Every day, all creatures play and hail the mighty Sun. Ancient solstice, fires burning, honor the Sun and feed the light. Druid, Indian, Norse, and Celt all danced on Summer Solstice, joyously felt. Solar winds and solar flares wash away our hunger and our cares. Mighty Sun, King of warmth, makes humans to frolic and bees to swarm. Keep this day in memory bright, to warm you on long winter nights. May the rays of solstice keep us warm, all through the year. So mote it be. (by Abby Willowroot)

On a piece of paper, write all your troubles, problems, pains, sorrows and illnesses.

O fiery Sun, burn away the unuseful, the hurtful, the troublesome, the painful, the sickness, and ill luck. Purify me.

Light paper with sun candle (the long white one, not the God candle.) Drop paper into cauldron.

By the powers of the Great Goddess and the Great God, by the powers of the Great Spirit of All-That-Is, by the powers of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and by the powers of the Sun, Moon and Stars… I banish these banes from my life

Visualize the negative energies burning away to nothing. When the paper has been consumed by the flames say:

As the Phoenix rises from the ashes, so let this water be pure and new, for this is the sacred cauldron of the Triple Goddess. O Great Mother Goddess, bless this water, so that its touch may bless and renew, even as the rays of the Midsummer Sun nourish and bless all life.

Pour the water over the ashes. Pass your cupped hands over the cauldron, pausing briefly each time to “pour” in wishes for health, prosperity, and good fortune to be part of your life. Dip the forefinger of your right hand into the cauldron water, and trace a pentagram on your forehead, saying:

“Let my mind be open to the truth.” Anoint your lips saying: “Let my lips always speak the truth. “Anoint your heart area, saying:”Let my heart seek the ways of the Goddess, now and always. “Anoint the centers of your palms, saying: “Let my hands be gifted to work in magickal ways. “Anoint the soles of your feet, saying: “Let my feet ever walk upon the sacred paths!”

Let the Brewing commence!

June 21st is soon upon me, and that means the Summer Solstice will be here around the corner. So, I am trying my best to get ready for my First Summer Sol Ritual iv ever held. Im really excited; Iv been practicing the craft for about 4 years now, but iv never really went all out with it. So this year im going to honor all the Sabbats in the wheel of the year to expand my own solitary studies.

Last week, I made my own Ritual Oil for the first time. That might not be too big, but iv never done anything like it before. Iv always just relied on what they sell in the metaphysical shops, although there is nothing wrong with it iv just always wanted to make one myself.

My 1st Ritual Oil.

1. Rose Petals

2. Dragon Blood

3. Sandalwood

4. Lavender

I just put it all in my mortar and pestle and added the oils. I let that sit overnight on my altar and the next day my oil was made! I was so happy with the results. I cant wait to use it next week :)

Now that my oil is made up all I have to do now is set up my altar. Im going either tomorrow or the next day to find something's I want to use in my altar.

This is it for now, ill add more tomorrow when I have things to add.

Blessed Be,

Mattie

)O(

Why?

I don't really know why I decided to start a blog, something inside me just popped; so here I am sitting down starting this thing. Iv never done anything like this before, so I guess ill start by what will be expected in my daily posts. For one, if anyone out there is actually reading this I am openly gay, and an openly practitioner of the craft. I plan to use this blog to show others but mostly myself how much ill be growing with my studies and my life. Im 20 years old, so I have alot to learn so why not jot it down? So let the brewing commence!